Nationwide LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Türkiye
Türkiye Conducts Nationwide Raids Targeting LGBTQ+ Groups and Organizations
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Key Points
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Authorities said the raids resulted in the seizure of drugs, digital devices, smuggled alcohol and a firearm; Istanbul prosecutors said their operation involved 38 suspects, while reporting on the wider campaign cited 26 detentions and searches of six offices.
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The Ankara investigation into Kaos GL is based on material published on its website and social-media accounts that prosecutors alleged contained “posts involving obscenity” and had been made accessible to children; prosecutors also sought scrutiny under the Associations Law because the alleged activity occurred through a civil-society organization.
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Kaos GL’s case reflects a broader concern about the expansive use of Turkey’s obscenity laws: the legislation does not clearly define “obscenity,” and authorities have recently applied the offense to non-explicit performances, social-media images and statements about people’s sex lives.
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One of the Istanbul venues targeted was a men’s hammam reputed to be associated with prostitution, adding a venue-specific allegation beyond the broader accusations against LGBTQ+ organizations.
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The crackdown occurred amid President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s repeated public attacks on LGBTQ+ people, whom he has described as “perverted” and blamed for contributing to Turkey’s declining birth rate.
Turkish authorities launched a sweeping crackdown on LGBTQ+ groups across at least 15 provinces in operations branded "My Family is Safe." Al-Monitor reported that 26 people were detained and six association offices were searched as part of the campaign. Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said legal proceedings had begun against 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 companies on charges including obscenity, prostitution and violations of the Associations Law.
The raids targeted homes, offices, bars and other venues linked to the LGBTQ+ community. CTV News reported that the crackdown targeted multiple LGBTQ+ groups and HIV support organizations. Kaos GL, a major LGBTQ+ advocacy group, said more than 10 of its members were detained and its office was searched. Authorities also blocked social-media accounts and websites of LGBTQ+ groups as part of the operation.
Part of Erdogan's "Decade of the Family" Agenda
The raids align with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "Decade of the Family" initiative, which officials say protects children, traditional family structures and public order. Erdogan has repeatedly attacked LGBTQ+ people publicly, describing them as "perverted" and blaming them for Turkey's declining birth rate. The campaign reflects the government's efforts to enforce what it views as moral standards across Turkish society.
Kaos GL Targeted Over Website Content
Ankara prosecutors focused on Kaos GL after material published on its website and social-media accounts allegedly contained "posts involving obscenity" accessible to children. Al-Monitor reported that prosecutors also sought scrutiny under the Associations Law because the activity occurred through a civil-society organization. Turkey's obscenity laws do not clearly define the term, and authorities have recently applied the offense to non-explicit performances, social-media images and statements about people's sex lives.
Police Seize Drugs and Devices in Istanbul Operations
Istanbul prosecutors oversaw an operation involving 38 suspects across the city. CTV News reported that authorities seized drugs, digital devices, smuggled alcohol and a firearm during the raids. One Istanbul venue targeted was a men's hammam reputed to be associated with prostitution, adding a specific criminal allegation beyond the broader accusations against LGBTQ+ organizations.
LGBTQ+ Advocates Call Actions Discriminatory
Opposition politicians and LGBTQ+ advocates condemned the raids as state discrimination and intimidation. They argued that same-sex relations are not criminalized under Turkish law and that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights. The crackdown has drawn criticism for targeting civil-society organizations and advocacy groups rather than addressing specific criminal conduct, raising concerns about government suppression of free expression and assembly.
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